New scientific findings have been published showing the serious health effects of alcohol consumption and sleeping on a plane. According to research conducted by German scientists, the combination of low air pressure and alcohol causes strain on the heart activity of sleeping passengers.
According to the scientists, if a person who has consumed alcohol falls asleep in the low-pressure environment typical during flight, blood oxygen levels drop and heart rate increases. This was observed even in young and healthy individuals.
“We were surprised at how strong the effect was. Please refrain from drinking alcohol during a flight,” said one of the study's authors, Dr. Eva-Maria Elmenhorst.
In an article published in the journal "Thorax", it is emphasized that passengers with heart conditions may experience worsening symptoms due to low cabin pressure and alcohol exposure. The commonly consumed alcoholic beverages onboard also increase this risk.
Experts from the German Aerospace Medicine Institute confirm this as well: “Drinking alcohol on a plane poses a risk for those with health problems. This can be easily prevented — refrain from alcohol during flights.”
During the study, 48 participants aged 18 to 40 were observed over two nights in two different environments — a sleep laboratory and a high-altitude chamber. They consumed alcoholic beverages before sleeping. Their heart rate and blood oxygen levels were continuously monitored.
Dr. Elmenhorst notes that while healthy individuals might not suffer serious harm from the combination of alcohol and flight, pre-existing conditions could worsen.
“During sleep, the oxygen saturation dropped very low. Therefore, even fully healthy individuals should avoid alcohol on a plane,” she says.
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